In a series of pivotal declarations, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the inception of the Patna-Purnia and Buxar-Bhagalpur expressways, aimed at augmenting Bihar’s connectivity. Additionally, a bridge spanning the Ganga River in Buxar was revealed.
On Tuesday, Sitharaman presented the inaugural Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 administration. The government earmarked Rs 26,000 crore for extensive infrastructural initiatives in Bihar.
Among the significant pronouncements, Sitharaman underscored the construction of the Patna-Purnia and Buxar-Bhagalpur expressways to enhance Bihar’s connectivity. Moreover, the Finance Minister disclosed plans for a bridge over the Ganga River in Buxar.
Plans are also in motion to fortify Bihar’s sports infrastructure.
To invigorate tourism, corridors will be established at the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples. The comprehensive development of Rajgir was also proclaimed in the budget. In a series of bountiful announcements for Bihar, Sitharaman stated the government will rejuvenate Nalanda University and develop the district into a tourism nucleus.
Furthermore, Rs 11,500 crore has been designated for irrigation and flood mitigation in Bihar.
It is noteworthy that the Centre recently denied Bihar special category status. The JDU, a significant NDA ally led by Nitish Kumar, had recently passed a resolution advocating for either special category status or a special package for Bihar. In response to JDU MP Ramprit Mandal of Jhanjharpur, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary explained that such provisions were previously granted based on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors and the unique circumstances of a state.
He indicated that Bihar does not meet the criteria required to receive special status.
“The Special Category Status for plan assistance was previously granted by the National Development Council (NDC) to states characterized by many features necessitating special consideration. Earlier, the request of Bihar for Special Category Status was considered by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) which submitted its Report on March 30, 2012. The IMG concluded that based on existing NDC criteria, Bihar’s case for Special Category Status is not substantiated,” Chaudhary’s written reply in Lok Sabha stated.
The substantial allocation for Bihar’s infrastructure in the Union Budget evidently indicates the Centre’s effort to compensate for the state’s special status demand.